Beginning a Research Program in the Natural Sciences at a Predominantly Undergraduate Institution

Next Offering:  October 2-4, 2009, Location TBA

Starting a successful research program and doing scholarly work at a predominantly undergraduate institution poses unique challenges for a beginning faculty member. A goal of the institute is to give pre-tenured faculty the opportunity to learn from and discuss with experienced faculty how to establish and manage a research program with undergraduates. While at the institute, participants will also prepare plans for starting and/or advancing their individual research programs at their respective campuses. A range of topics will be covered during the institute, and the specific goals include ways to achieve career success in undergraduate research by learning how to:

• select undergraduate researchers

• mentor student researchers and develop and use their research skills

• time management - balancing teaching, research and service activities

• develop and select research projects appropriate for undergraduates

• adapt to an undergraduate research environment vs. that in graduate school

• link research to the classroom and

• develop grantsmanship skills related to gaining external and institutional research support

Application will be available shortly.